Pencil skirts? Tights and a sharp jacket over a sexy secretary blouse and boogie.

That white cocktail dress? It's all about tights and black patent heels.

So here's my problem. I'm constantly on the hunt for the blackest, most opaque tights on the market. My current choice are the Assets line from Target, which are made by the Spanx people and consistently make you a full half size smaller. The only problem is that their magical body-morphing fabric extends to the mid-thigh area, making it difficult to wear them with a short skirt or dress.

I've heard that Wolford makes the creme de la creme but in These Economic Times, I think my husband might flip if I spent $40 on hosiery and tried to serve him ramen at dinner.

Friday, January 16, 2009

So, if you are planning on spending the day anywhere outside of your bathtub with a shotgun I Am Legend style in DC, follow my 10 patented steps for beauty on the go.

First, think about how long you will be outside, whether attending the swearing in, the parade or just wandering around seeing what all the fuss is about. Now double that. And add an hour. That's how long you will TRULY have to brave the elements. Now weep in fear.

Second, prepare. I am planning on packing handwarmers (mmmm, exothermic reactions are awesome), gloves, hat, long underwear, and fleecy boots. I will look like Nanook of the Beltway, but whatever. Photos will be taken from neck up only.

Third, layer. And by that I mean moisturizer. Seriously, take the thickest lotion you've got and slather it on. You'll have time to shower it off later, but for now, you want to make sure nothing gets chapped. Those parade stands are metal. Nobody wants a freezer burned scaly ass.

Fourth, LIP BALM. Tons of it. Everyone knows my Rosebud devotion, but it doesn't matter what you use, just use it. Breathing through your nose is going to burn like you snorted a Pixi stick (ok, I only did it ONCE. on a DARE. At SUMMER CAMP.) so make sure your mouth breathing doesn't turn your lips into a bloody mess.

Fifth, choose accessories wisely. As I said, I'm making sure that pictures will be of the cute stuff, so my hat will be cute. I'm loving the furry aviatior/bomber hats with ear flaps and anything in a bright color.

Sixth, waterproof mascara. Even if you're not a cryer or weeping tears of joy, that biting cold wind will make your eyes tear and it's hard to do a precision wipe with gloves.

Seventh, take pictures early. All of the above will only get you so far. Take pictures early before you dissolve into a windburned, teary eyed, chapped mess and you can tell your grandchildren that you always looked that good when you were that age.

Eighth, wear COMFORTABLE SHOES. If you are going to a ball later, you will definitely want to save the pain for later. I had the good fortune of being able to scoop up a pair of the Bromley boots from JCrew that I have been eying since last year and they are cozy and warm and comfy. NB If you read between the lines here, I'm telling you that it's ok to wear Uggs outside the house.

Ok, wait, I need a minute to believe that I actually just typed that.

Crud.

Ninth, abandon all fantasies you had about looking cute while bundled up. You gave up on that when you bought the Uggs.

Tenth, if you can get a private audience with the President, ask him to support a constitutional amendment to move the swearing in to May. Seriously, Michelle would be all for this. Girlfriend has to stand up there and she actually has to look CUTE!

Monday, January 12, 2009

I usually refrain from doing a lot of posts about awards shows, mostly due to the fact that, by the time I sift through all the pics and press releases, everyone else has discussed and is bored and doesn't want to hear it.

But last night, while I watched Laura Linney accepting a Golden Globe, I was struck by two things.

First, what the eff? No Globe for "Congo?!?!"

Just kidding.

Second, she looked FAN-fricking-tastic.

Not scary-skinny-Restylaned like the Desperate Housewives, just pretty and glowy and natural.

Honestly, I got so bored with making fun of Serena's boobs towards the end of last season, I just couldn't think of any new creative ways to say, Sweet Christ! What 16 year old has cleavage that prominent?!?

However, like bears and my ability to accomplish anything, Serena's boobs have gone into hibernation during the winter.

All is well.

Blair continues to be the fashion raison d'etre for me...I mean, I've never been a fan of short sleeved suit jackets. I think they are just something that female lobbyists invented so we don't have to sweat to death that last week before August recess. In the 80's. And never updated the look.

But Blair pulls it off here, pairing a Diane von Furstenberg jacket with a long sleeved tee and pencil skirt.She pulls out another gem with the Nanette Lepore "Shake It" cardigan with gorge ruffled neck and satin details. It's like a sweater and a scarf and a nightgown all in one!